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2010-02-09T03:11:00.000-08:00

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The Proposal

2009-06-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

The Proposal

Opened June 19, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 47 min.
PG-13: sexual content, nudity and language

This movie is freaking FUNNY. Light on the romance and HEAVY on the comedy. Sandra Bullock is not afraid to make a complete fool out of herself and I tell you, those are probably the BEST scenes in the movie - where she's (literally in one) just letting it all hang out. She is awesome and my comedic hero! I would say this is her best movie, ever! Go Sandra!!!

I've been a fan of Ryan Reynolds since his Two Guys A Girl And A Pizza Place days. Cute, funny, sarcastic and a 6 pack - I think he may in fact be the perfect man... right along side Brendan Fraser, of course! He was perfectly cast and his comedic timing is impeccable. The chemistry between him and Sandra is spot on and totally believable. This was definitely a match made in movie heaven!

And welcome home Betty White!! Right back on the silver screen exactly where you belong. Everyone wishes they had a fiesty, witty, sweet and clever Gammy like you! The best part - she's a SMART grandma, not an elderly cliche, the butt of family jokes. Not some dottering old lady who has lost her marbles. She was an utter delight and I've missed seeing her so much. She is brilliant. Thank you, Betty, for reminding us that our eldest members are someone to be respected and not ridiculed. You're a great sport and a wonderful actress!!

Don't let the rom-com throw off the guys, this is a great date movie. One of my 16 year old son's friends went to see it and he said it was super funny and is now trying to get the rest of the guys to go see it. Now if THAT isn't a great recommendation, I don't know what is!

My overall review: probably the best comedy of the summer!

Imagine THAT

2009-06-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Imagine That

Opened June 12, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 47 min.
PG: some mild language and brief questionable behavior

Oh Eddie Murphy, welcome back!! I was prepared for this to be, well, horrible. Ed, you don't have the greatest track record lately, hate to be the one to break it to you. But now, you have totally redeemed yourself!!

Take note, Ed. No fat suits. No fart jokes. No gross-out humor (pancake breakfast scene is excluded for reality sake - I've ~~endured~~ enjoyed a similar experience with my children.) Back was the dancing, funny faces, child-like behavior, and slap stick comedy that we used to know and love.

Eddie is a father, much too busy and unable to relate to his little girl. We actually get to see his character develop and it's over a believable and relate-able series of events. He doesn't just go from out of touch jerk to father of the year overnight. And for that, the movie is awesome!! We really believe his transformation.

His daughter, Olivia, is played by Yara Shahidi, the most adorable thing I think I've ever seen. She steals every scene she is in. She's fantastic!!

Thomas Haden Church. What can I say, I think he's one of the funniest actors in Hollywood. I love this man. Not the same kind of love I have for Brendan Fraser, but more of a he'd be a really awesome Pictionary partner kinda love. He's one of those actors who, if he's in the movie, I'll go see it just for him. He's THAT hilarious. His portrayal of Johnny Whitefeather is... well... in Johnny's own words "it ain't nothin' but a thang". Yep, pretty well sums it up right there.

As for the kids, there were a couple of slow parts where the plot was being moved along... what I call a necessary for the grown ups plot-point. Sean took one bathroom break during the movie, but he also drank a medium Sprite and he had to dash for the bathroom again as soon as the end credits rolled. So I don't know if that was a real mid-movie run or an out of boredom potty run. Skye required no potty runs, but did curl up with her head on my lap for the last 20 minutes. However, both kids literally danced out of the theater, twirling and singing about how much they LOVED THIS MOVIE! So that's two little kid thumbs up.

My overall review: Eddie - the Nutty Professor, Norbit and The Klumps are all but forgotten. Good work, my man!! We will be buying this one when it comes out on DVD! A great new family favorite. Thank you.

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

2009-06-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Taking of Pelham 123

Opened June 12, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 44 min.
R: violence and pervasive language

This movie made me like John Travolta again. And that was something I thought wouldn't happen. So big time kudos! I've always loved Denzel, I mean, what's not to love. And he's awesome here. He pulls off the, what I thought was an, unexpected plot twist SO convincingly and with such sincerity that I was shocked. I didn't see the original with Walther Matthau, so I didn't know what to expect.

Pelham was gritty, gripping, and well, a bit gory! If you're squeemish, you might want to pass on this one. There isn't a lot, but what there is is graphic. Just so you know, you've been warned.

Can I just say that John is pulling off the quippy one-liners a la Bruce Willis. And while he's left off the Yippee-Ki-Yays... there are a hell of a lot o' Mother-F***ers! His bravado, over-the-top self-confidence and ego that normally irritates the hell out of me REALLY work in this role, as does the creep neck tattoo and facial hair. I am likin' this side of John, the creepy, asshole bad guy. He totally works it!

This movie really kept me on the edge of my seat, in a good way. I never quite knew what was coming next.

With that said, there were a couple of major plot errors that bugged the CRAP outta me. I can see where they were necessary to the whole storyline. But to me they were GLARING and it was all I could do to keep from screaming at the screen. I won't reveal what they were as to avoid any spoilers. And maybe it wouldn't bother others. I'm just a stickler for details. I know, I get a bit weird about this stuff.

My overall recommendation: if you like crime thrillers and don't mind seeing someone's brains get blown out in slo-mo, close-up, CSI forensic detail, then you are gonna love this movie!!

The Hangover

2009-06-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Hangover

Opened June 5, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 40 min.
R: some drug material, pervasive language, sexual content and nudity

And you thought Tom Hanks had it bad in Bachelor Party! I don't know if this is supposed to be a remake or what, but it's all on it's own here. In case you've missed the trailers, here it is in a nutshell. Four buddies go to Vegas for one's Bachelor Party. They get drunk. They wake up the next day with no memory of the previous night's exploits. There's a tiger in the bathroom, a baby in the closet, one of them is missing a tooth, and the groom is MIA. The movie starts at the morning after and the guys try to figure out just what the heck happened. And more importantly, Where's Doug (the groom)?!

It's one unexpected laugh after another. You just really don't know what's going to happen next. I will tell you that apparently one of the prerequisites for the new generation of comedies is full frontal male nudity. You've been warned.

This movie is outrageous, but doesn't push it quite as far as say Knocked Up or Observe and Report. I'm guessing the lack of Seth Rogan accounts for some modicum of taste here. Well, right up until the end credits. Then it's pushed passed anything I've seen outside of internet porn!! Again, you've been warned. The end credits are UBER GRAPHIC - and totally do not miss them!! May be the best part of the movie. Certainly ties it all together. But Heeelllloooooooo - they are explicit. Like XXX explicit. Just so you know. Wow.

Not seen in any of the trailers is Heather Graham. She does an amazing job - totally caught me off-guard. Her scenes are sweet and touching (and funny). Where has she been the last few years? I don't think she made me laugh this hard since Bowfinger (which, just as an FYI, is quite possibly Eddie Murphy's funniest performance ever captured on celluloid!)

Basically all of Mike Tyson's bit is in the trailer. Disappointing. But whatever. I thought maybe with the tiger, we'd be seeing a little Siegfried and Roy, but no such luck. Although, look for some other cameos in end credits!!

My overall review: I LOVED THIS MOVIE. OMG it was so funny. SO FUNNY. And like surprising funny. Shit just jumps out at you from no-where. But if you're squeemish or even remotely prudish, then I would totally skip it. Like, I will NOT be recommending this movie to my parents. And I really wish I'd sent my 13 year old out of the theater before those end credits started to roll!! I know I know, like he hasn't seen internet porn. I'm not a naive Mom... but at least I didn't PAY FOR HIM TO SEE IT! I'm totally out of the running for Mom of the Year 2009. Totally.

My Life In Ruins

2009-06-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

My Life In Ruins

Opened June 5, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 36 min.
PG-13: sexual content

This is like the Grecian version of Sliding Doors (fab movie, by the way!! One I own and watch periodically when my life is feeling off-course. Highly recommended you grab your own copy off Amazon!) What would have happened if Nia Vardalos hadn't had a Big Fat Greek Wedding? Now we know, she would have moved to Greece and become a tour guide. And she would have hated it. Because moving doesn't change the person, just the scenery. If you're miserable in the US, life isn't going to be any better in Greece, just more culturally enriched.

This movie has the same writing and flow of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, a funny romantic comedy. Only here, it's the Americans as the fish out of water. And it works. Cause we all know we're loud, obnoxious, egocentric and well, not European. My parents went to Greece recently. They nearly keeled over laughing at how accurately American tourists (themselves!) were portrayed - and they ate a LOT of ice cream!

Can someone please tell me, when did Richard Dreyfuss get so old??? I know I'm probably dating myself big time here, but wasn't it just yesterday that he was the young, know it all, college kid in Jaws? And now he's making with the Viagra jokes. God, I feel old!

My overall review: I personally found the movie sweet & funny. There's nothing new here. She even starts and ends narrating, just like she did in MBFGW. Its a very girlie chickie flickie. If you're in the mood for one, then this one will suit you just fine.

Land of the Lost

2009-06-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

Land of the Lost

Opens today June 5, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 33 min.
PG-13: a drug reference, language and crude and sexual content

If you love Will Ferrell movies, you'll love Land of the Lost. Cause it's not so much about the movie as it is about Will Ferrell being able to be Will Ferrell. Fortunately for me, I think he's hilarious. Elf is one of my top three must watch or it ain't really Christmas movies. And so 93 minutes of Will Ferrell running around like an idiot - that's what I'm payin' for and that's exactly what I got.

There's nothing new here. This is not a cutting edge comedy. This isn't smart, particularly witty or insightful. If that's what you're looking for, you my friend, are in the wrong theater!

If, however, you think dinosaur poop, a monkeyman continually coping a feel, and Danny McBride are comedic genius - well, sit right down and make yourself comfortable. You are in for a real treat!! Slapstick. Silly. Inane. Nonsensical. Tongue in cheek. Spoof. A veritable smorgasbord of all of the above! It's Will Ferrell doing what he does best, what made him famous, and what we all come to a Will Ferrell movie expecting. He is as funny and entertaining to watch as that man you know is going to get a baseball bat to the crotch. You can't help but laugh. Sure, it's childish, perhaps a bit crude and cruel; but in the end, that's what makes it all the funnier!

A couple of trivia bits: listen for the voice of Spock, he's in there! Don't leave during the credits, about halfway thru there's a little nugget.

My overall review: this one is definitely for the Will Ferrell fans.

UP

2009-06-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Up

Opened May 29, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 36 min.
PG: some peril and action

This movie is available in standard 2D format and "Disney Digital 3D" - I don't know exactly what the Disney part of the digital 3D is that makes it different from non-Disney digital 3D, but I highly recommend it! There's nothing quite like having a house carried by a billion helium balloons and steered by an old man and wilderness scout fly right at your head! But you all know I'm a huge fan of this new digital 3D format anyway, Disney or no-Disney. I can't imagine a scenario where I'd be all "avoid the 3D version, it sucked eggs." Yes, I love flinching away from virtual birds and monsters and even those paddle ball games! I laugh EVERY FREAKING TIME!

Now, on to Mr. Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner, I can't think of anyone better!!) Everyone's favorite Grumpy Old Man. Only not really so grumpy, more a little despondent. He's sad and lonely after the death of his wife. And he was really a fun and lovable guy until he lost his childhood sweetheart and best friend, Ellie. They both loved adventure, it was how they met. Their bond. And so, he decides to pursue their "big dream". Mishap and hilarity ensue.

It's touching, sweet, very funny, smart, poignant, and just an all around good movie. Like GOOD movie. My kids loved it. It's not a fast, high-speed, thrill ride. Our hero is in his 80's after all. So it moves at a slightly slower pace. And it's all the better for it. So often we don't get to really enjoy a movie while it's happening. We're too busy trying to keep up with it. With UP, we get to sit back and enjoy the ride.

It may be a little too slow moving for children with a shorter attention span. My 7 year old has high-functioning autism and required 3 bathroom breaks during the movie (usually a sign of boredom, but he did have a large Icee.) My 5 year old was glued to the screen and shushed me twice. Normally she's the bathroom-queen. So my results are inconclusive. Judgment call.

My overall review: just an excellent, excellent movie. Expect to hear UP at the awards shows, repeatedly. Pixar hit yet another one out of the park!

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

2009-05-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Opened May 22, 2009
PG: mild action and brief language

Hank Azaria totally steals this movie. He is brilliant, hilarious, gets it right EVERY TIME funny!! He plays Kahmunrah, the movie's main baddie and nemesis to Ben Stiller this go around. He also voices The Thinker and Abe Lincoln (I would NEVER have guessed that! Thanks www.imdb.com!) The best is when he proclaims Archie Bunker's throne the most comfortable he's ever sat upon! Awesome!!

Ben Stiller is deadpan, dry, straight-laced - the usual. He seems almost bored in this movie and I'm not sure what's going on with him here. I'm not a huge Stiller fan, though I do usually enjoy his movies. He just didn't seem to be in it in this one, though.

There's too little Robin Williams and Ricky Gervais. A little too much Owen Wilson. And exactly the right amount of Amy Adams! Can I just say that she has quickly become one of my absolute favorite actresses (especially after her performance in Sunshine Cleaning.)

My kids loved this movie. It kept the younger ones totally engaged (not a single trip to the bathroom, that's like the equivalent of 5 stars!!) Sean didn't even eat his candy, he was so engrossed!! The theater was packed with nary an empty seat. Ages ranging from grandparents to babes in arms. And everyone gave it a round of applause during the end credits. Very enjoyable.

I did hear a few say they didn't like it quite as much as the first one (and my stepdad fell asleep during the second half, but he's in his late '60s now and prone to dozing off during football games too.) I think the concept with the first one was more novel and this is basically just round two. Slightly different location, slightly different cast of characters, much larger scale - but really just the same movie: guy tries to keep museum figures that come to life at night from killing each other. This one didn't stretch much beyond that.

My overall review: it's a great movie for the whole family. However, if your movie dollars are tight, then I'd save them for Disney/Pixar's UP, their first foray into digital 3D. It opens next Friday and promises to be AMAZING!!

Terminator: Salvation

2009-05-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

Terminator: Salvation

Opens tomorrow, May 21, 2009 | Runtime:2 hr. 10 min.
PG-13: intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action and language

They're baaaaaack. We've now caught up to the future the first movies were talking about. It's bleak. Stark. Harsh. Almost totally devoid of color. Grim. The Machines are winning and Man is definitely an endangered species.

Christian Bale is the now adult John Conner. I admit to not having seen all the previous Terminators, so I don't know if Linda Hamilton was offed in a previous one, but she's not here now. She's left John advice, words of encouragement, her last remaining fragments of knowledge about the Machines and Skynet on a set of cassette tapes (totally couldn't help but thinking of the Fortress of Solitude and Jor-El's messages for Kal-El). So really, no iPod? No webcam that she could have recorded these with? Cassette tapes? Where the hell can anyone even find a tape recorder anymore? Totally did not make any sense. It's like they were still filming this back in the '80s!

And so, even though it's visually quite the thrill ride, don't look at the plot too closely (Plot, what plot?!) and there are quite a few devices that just don't work or make any sense. And there's a HUGE one at the end that basically just killed the movie for me. I can suspend belief for Terminators, the world being taken over by thinking machines, cyborgs, the Rebel Alliance... oops, I mean Resistance... but then they cross even that line. Fortunately, it is at the very end. But I had to literally bite my tongue to keep from crying out "Give me a fucking BREAK!" I did groan. And it was SO cliche. Painful. PAINFUL!!! Ouch - I'm still smarting from it.

And while I LOVE Bryce Dallas Howard, she's hardly seen and it's like they've already written the next sequel. That seems to be her role, to help with plot points for the next one. Weird.

There is a fun "appearance" by the Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger. Don't worry, he never left Sac-town. Total CGI. Wonder how he feels about his portrayal... and, uh, "wardrobe"!!

My overall review: if you love action, blow 'em up, big guns and explosions, and think that plots just get in the way of a freakin' awesome movie - then this should win an Oscar! If, however, you're not powered entirely by testosterone and like things to, oh I don't know, make sense, then this might not be your cuppa.

Management

2009-05-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

Management

Opened May 15, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 34 min.
R: language

Finally, a movie that I didn't hate Woody Harrelson in!!

This is the kind of movie that makes you go "aaaaawwww", all kittens and puppies sweet and cuddly. Now, normally, this is NOT my kind of movie. Kittens and puppies are fine and dandy if they're being used as comedic devices (There's Something About Mary) or to strike terror into the hearts of movie-goers (Cujo) but I'm not a sentimental smooshie-gooshie kinda girl.

But I really just wanted to take Steve Zahn home, tuck him into bed, read him a story and get him that second glass of water. I didn't think a 41 year old man could be cute, needy, childlike and adorable - boy, was I wrong!! He goes way beyond likeable, way past loveable, to downright genuinely sincere. How could anyone not love this guy!

Enter Sue (Jennifer Aniston). Straight-laced, no-nonsense, business woman who looks like she has it all together. Jennifer plays her boring and almost dowdy - which totally works! She's almost not likeable, but there's a hint, just a hint, that someone sweet might be lying right below the... someone not so sweet shell that she presents to the world.

What draws us in, is that these two totally opposite people are in the same situation. Stuck. Going nowhere. With no idea of what to do next. And it's that unfolding, that growth, along with the budding maybe romance, that we get to witness and experience.

This is a sweet, sweet movie. In a good way. I love movies that make me think about my own life. This is definitely one of them. I put it up there with The Bucket List and Yes Man. And while I haven't taken up photo-jogging, I did go skydiving a couple of months ago! And I'm not even 80 years old and dying of cancer!! Who says movies aren't educational?!

My overall review: your hubby will be disappointed that Steve Zahn doesn't blow up the motel at the end, but bring some extra tissues to share with your girlfriends! It's a small film and might be hard to find in theaters, so put it in your Netflix cue now!

Angels & Demons

2009-05-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

Angels & Demons

Opened May 15, 2009 | Runtime:2 hr. 20 min.
PG-13: sequences of violence, thematic material and disturbing images

Thank God Tom Hanks' barber got the memo and we weren't subjected to The Haircut From Hell: the Sequel. (Just wanted to get that out of the way upfront.)

Same basic formula as the first one. Fewer overt riddles to solve, no fibonacci code, no little cryptex, not even a single anagram. But lots of Tom Hanks knowing everything and even the highest level of clergy in the Vatican is clueless to their own history.

This time the threat is the Illuminati and it's the Catholic Church who is seeking the help of Robert Langdon, Symbologist (that comes in to play, trust me.) But for people who desperately need his help, they sure don't know how to treat a guest! What a mistrustful bunch!!

I found Angels & Demons to be more engaging, easier to follow and definitely more action-packed than The DaVinci Code. I have not as yet read the book (it's sitting on my nightstand just waiting for me to finish Survivor by Tabitha King) and so while I can't compare it, my daughter Cali tells me that there were several differences. Some glaring. Some necessary. Some unnecessary. And at least one that left her totally scratching her head (or maybe that's the dry scalp? Probably time to change her shampoo.) She did very much enjoy the movie. So much so, that she made me go see it with her the following night. I enjoyed it almost as much the second time, though knowing all the surprises did take a little of the fun out of it.

Oh, and there are some MAJOR surprises. And a plot point twist that even I didn't see coming (and I totally knew out that Bruce Willis was a ghost the minute that Vincent guy shot him in The Sixth Sense.)

There are major explosions, and lots of people dying... painfully. Which do lead to a few gross-out moments. Yeah, I admit it, I turned away a couple of times. Rats! I hate rats!! Ewwww!!!

My overall review: It's a good thriller that will leave you guessing. Lots of action for the guys. Tom Hanks in a speedo for the... well, I don't know who's idea THAT was! But go see it anyway!

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

2009-05-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Opened May 1, 2009
PG-13: sexual content and language may offend

Fandango's synopsis: "A bachelor goes to his younger brother's wedding, where he is visited by the ghosts of his past girlfriends."

For those who are a little slow on the uptake, this is a spin on Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Matthew McConaughey is Connor Mead, who is this movie's Scrooge. Yeah, that sounds a lot more far-fetched than it actually is. He plays cynical really well. Not too far a stretch to think of good ol' Matt as a non-believer in long-term monogamy, what with the naked bongo-playing, affinity for super-models and laid-back beach bum persona. Really, it's his "epiphany" at the end that I had trouble believing. But I'll get to that in a minute.

Michael Douglas is Uncle Wayne (Marley). Perfectly cast as a '70s era swinging, boozing, womanizer, he gives Matt the sage advice "you made your bed, kid, now you're gonna have to bang whatever crawls into it". If only we all had an Uncle Wayne to dispense such wisdom! Douglas is outrageous, cartoonish, over the top... exactly what the movie needed! He's hilarious and some of the funniest stuff in the whole thing. His advice to a pubescent Connor is truly cringe-worthy and I challenge you not to shed a tear of laughter!

Jennifer Garner is beautiful... and wasted in this movie. She's the "girlfriend past" - the lost love. She's under-utilized and I think totally under-appreciated. She has some serious comedic chops and is much more than just a pretty face. However, she is probably one of the only actresses really capable of holding her own again Matthew's smooth-talking southern drawl without fluttering an eyelash. She's strong, confident (and TALL) and we never doubt her for a minute. She's too good for this movie. I really wanted to see her kick some ass!

And interesting bit of trivia here: Christa B. Allen plays teenage Jenny. Some of you may recognize her. She played the younger version of Jennifer Garner's character in 13 Going on 30.

The story itself has some clever moments, some laughs, a little charm. But little originality. It relies almost exclusively on the charm, wit and charisma of it's stars. You're coming to see Matt's dimples (and hoping in vain for a glimpse of that six-pack) or Jennifer's legs (they are awesome and still chin high) or Michael's ego (barely fit on the screen!) And the timeline doesn't work, I fear the victim of poor editing. We are supposed to believe that Matt was 7, no wait 6, in 1982? really? That would make him... 33. Yeah, riiiiiiggght. And I'm a size 2. But then that makes him 16 in 1992, and the middle and high school scenes are CLEARLY set in the mid-80s, all acid wash denim and scrunchies. No, they botched that up pretty badly and it's glaring.

I would say the high-light was at the end, when Matt wakes up, runs to the window, throws up the sash and calls to the boy shoveling snow below "Young man there, is it Christmas?" His response is classic "No, it's Saturday, you moron!" Ah, I love a good wink and nod! And even though I don't find Matt's "transformation" convincing to say the least, it ends exactly like it's supposed to. This is a romantic comedy after all.

My overall review: eh, it's cute and funny, it has charm. If you're jonesing for some Matt, then by all means don't let me stop you. Otherwise, put it in your Netflix cue.

Star Trek

2009-05-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Star Trek

Opened May 7, 2009 | Runtime:2 hr. 6 min.
PG-13: violence, sci-fi action and brief sexual content

Captain's log, stardate 05.07.2009. One of the tag lines for this movie is "The future begins" and that is more accurate than you'll ever know. Captain Kirk is born in the opening scene. We go on to see how it is he joins Star Fleet, learn a little about why he's such a risk-taker and my very very favorite: just how he beat the kobayashi maru.

But this isn't Kirk Trek, it's Star Trek. And so we begin our 2 hour mission to find and meet the starfleet crew we know and love so well. They're all there: Spock, Uhura, Scotty, Bones and Chekov. They're kids, cadets, just learning the ropes. Punchy, full of energy and enthusiasm, boldly going wherever their future takes them. I love a good backstory, and this movie is the quintessential backstory, the ultimate pre-quel. Keep an ear out for all your favorite quotes "Damn it man, I'm a doctor not a physicist!" and "I'm givin' her all she's got, Cap'n" are just a few of the gems hidden away for the old school trekker!

The writers, directors, producers, hair, make-up, costume-designers... the entire cast and crew are obviously die-hard fans. They NAILED this movie dead-on! The spirit, action, humor, adventure - they got all of it. This is a Big, Bold, Totally AWESOME movie. The best action movie I've seen, possibly ever!

And for those of us who really never got over the original '60s television series and related movies, Leonard Nimoy IS IN DA HIZZAY!! (ok, I apolozie for that.) There are winks and nods to the original movie and fans through-out. With that said, there's a MAJOR plot point that is, uhm... trying not to sound moronic here, but it's really pushing my level of believability. OK, so this is a sci-fi movie set in the future with aliens, a starfleet federation, warp drive, space travel, etc... you'd think that pretty much anything goes, right? Well, trust me on this way, they push even that. And I understand the reason for it. There's another tag line running around that says "Forget everything you know" - and they REALLY mean that. I mean REALLY really! I'll give 'em this, though, it totally opens the door to a whole new Star Trek franchise. And they can once again "boldly go where no one has gone before"!

My overall review: really? can you not tell from the preceding four paragraphs?? Beam yourself on over the nearest theater and set phasers to AWESOME!! (OMG, I think I hit max level for cheesy right there!)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

2009-05-04T17:40:00.001-07:00

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Opened May 1, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 47 min.
PG-13: violence, intense sequences of action and some partial nudity

OH MY! I'm going to need a few moments. I'm still a bit flustered! Hugh Jackman is HOT! I mean dear LORD the man is just ripped in all the right ways! It's going to take me a minute to think of anything more than that...

Ok, I can feel my heart-rate slowing back down to something near normal.

Whew baby, what a ride!! You want action-packed? Hugh's not the only thing on steroids, the whole movie is notched up times 10! This isn't your mom's X-man movie (ok, that doesn't even make any sense, does it?! but you know what I mean!) Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic man. Wolverine will be that man. Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster. Nakeder... girls, just wait for that waterfall scene!

Liev Schreiber is wonderfully evil. He plays Sabretooth, Wolverine's brother and sometimes nemesis. Gives a whole new meaning to the term Sibling Rivalry! You don't want to come between these two!

A pleasant surprise was Ryan Reynolds in a much too small role. He added some much needed humor in his own unique way. He does give Hugh some major competition in the hunky hunk department, maybe that's why his screen time is limited??? I have some serious celeb-crunching on the man - damn you Scarlett Johansson!!

WARNING - don't even THINK about leaving before the last of the credits have rolled. There's a little gem right at the very end. You won't want to miss it!!

My overall review: if you like action-adventure, dark superheros, explosions, violence and naked men, then this is the movie for you!

The Soloist

2009-04-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

The Soloist

Opened April 24, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 49 min.
PG-13: language, thematic elements and some drug use

This was the single most moving film I have seen in... wow, in a very long time. I sat in the theater at the end and just wanted to cry - the beauty, the power, the depth of emotion. I was truly (and unexpectedly) overwhelmed. I mean, this is the star of Ironman we're talking about here. And while I thought he was brilliant in the role of Tony Stark, I've never been on the "Robert Downey Jr. is this generations most gifted actor" bandwagon... until now. He plays Steve Lopez unapologetically, as a seasoned, cynical LA Times journalist always on the lookout for the next story. We are drawn into his dilemna almost immediately - how do you help someone who doesn't want it? Or believe they need it? Mr. Downey hardley seems to be acting, he is so believeable that it feels more like a documentary.

While Jamie Foxx has already given us an Oscar-worthy performance (Ray), he's hit the mark once again with his spot on portrayal of a homeless schizophrenic who just also happens to be a former Julliard cellist and musical prodigy. His portrayal of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Jr. is sympathetic without being pathetic or pitying. He is a man living his life the best way he can while being haunted by the voices in his head. His love of music literally saturates this movie and comes flowing out into the audience, drowning us all with it's power and beauty. It's magical and mesmerizing and so organic it's palpable. There were several points in the movie where I had to literally choke back the tears from the overwhelming beauty of what I was experiencing.

This movie is based on a true story, and as such doesn't give us the neat little happily ever after Hollywood ending one might expect. And it's all the better for it.

My overall review: one of the best movies to come out of Hollywood in ages. Expect to hear this one a lot at Oscar time. Inspiring!

Monsters vs Aliens

2009-03-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

Monsters vs Aliens

Opens today March 27, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 34 min.
PG: mild language, some crude humor and sci-fi action

I can't rave enough about this movie!!! The 3D effects weren't gimmicky, they were just AWESOME!! You felt like you were IN the movie. There's this showdown on the Golden Gate Bridge that is like nothing I've ever experienced - that's is all thanks to the digital 3D effect!!

I took the whole family to this one. The kids ALL loved it - that's a big thumbs up ranging from teenage boys to my little princess! There is something for everyone.

Let me just add here that Stephen Colbert as the president was a stroke of brillance!! We loved the Close Encounters of the Third Kind nods, as well as all the references to the B monster movies from the 50s that I was practically raised on!!

Seth Rogan totally redeemed himself in my book, with his turn as the voice of B.O.B - he totally stole the movie!!

My overall review: if you see only one movie this year, SEE THIS ONE!!

Duplicity

2009-03-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

Duplicity

Opened March 20, 2009 | Runtime:2 hr. 5 min.
PG-13: language and some sexual content

Duplicity was better than I expected. Though if you watch enough movies in this genre, you can see the twists and turns coming a mile away. Clive Owen is appropriately charming, debonair and British. Julia Roberts is... well... Julia Roberts. There are movies I love her in (Notting Hill), movies I can't stand her in (Pretty Woma n) and movies I love in spit of her (My Best Friend's Wedding). This one, fortunately, falls closer to the first.

Owen's and Roberts' banter and chemistry is excellent. The '60s stylization totally works, since this is definitely a throwback to the double-crossing capers from that era. It's a fun, fast-paced romp... (I think I've used that phrase recently... hm...)

The constant flash-backs can get confusing. It does all neatly wrap up in the end, but it may be too late by then for some. My parents saw this one and didn't like it at all because by the end of the movie they were completely lost! They had know idea what had happened and were totally disoriented. So for some, it may be a little TOO fast-paced.

I personally had little trouble keeping up with what was going on, but then again I watch movies on a near-daily basis and this one was pretty cliche. It was fairly obvious who was double-crossing whom. I think there's a hollywood formula to these movies, and the director didn't stray far from that blueprint.

Still, well acted, well edited, visually entertaining. Make sure you have a last bathroom break and all your snacks before the opening credits, or you will be totally lost! No stepping out for even a second on this one!

My overall rating: set your Netflix to get this one as soon as it's available.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

2009-03-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Opened February 13, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 52 min.
PG: some mild language and thematic elements

I'll admit up-front, I have a total girl-crush on Isla Fisher. So I was going to like this movie no matter what. Even if it didn't quite capture the charm of the books... or make any sense.

Note: the scene I've dubbed "the fan dance" is worth the price of admission! I laughed so hard I got the hiccups! Pure genius!!!

Beyond that, I'm really a jeans and vintage tee kind of girl, so I don't claim to know anything about fashion. I found most of the outfits in the movie borderline ridiculous. Like that orange bathrug turned jacket that she's wearing in the movie poster?? WTF is up with that? Seriously, is that high fashion?? I do not get it.

The movie itself is sweet, funny, cute... a very light-hearted romantic comedy. It's not rocket science or Academy Award material, but it's not trying to be. It is trying to be entertaining, and I think it definitely achieves that.

My overall review: it's a fun, girl-friend popcorn chick-flick. Don't go in expecting more, and you won't be disappointed!

Race to Witch Mountain

2009-03-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

Race to Witch Mountain

Opened March 13, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 39 min.

PG: sequences of action and violence, frightening and dangerous situations, and some thematic elements

Standard Disney fare here. The Rock is increasingly likeable in this family friendly genre. He proves to have smart comedic timing and an endearing charm that comes off as sincere, not smarmy. I think it's a good move for him. Note to Rock: less Scorpion King, more big, lovable teddy bear!

I have to say that I really enjoyed the cameos by the actors who portrayed the children in the original Escape to Witch Mountain. Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann play a waitress and small town sheriff respectively. It was great seeing them all grown up and I love that they were included in the remake. Definitely added a fun-element for those of us who remember way back when!

My overall review: it's a fast-paced fun ride with The Rock at the wheel, both literally and figuratively. Safe and entertaining for the kids with a little something extra for the adults.

I Love You, Man

2009-03-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

I Love You, Man

Opened March 20, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 50 min.

R: pervasive language, including crude and sexual references

And so we welcome the dawning of a new age: The Bromance. And I say, it's about time. This was quite possibly THE FUNNIEST movie I have seen in years not featuring full frontal male nudity.

Paul Rudd has taken the same character he's been playing since Phoebe's boyfriend on Friends, and parlayed him into a starring role. Brilliant and I'll say it again, about fucking time!

Peter is the average, everyday, nice-guy-in-the-next-cubicle. He's funny, witty and charming totally without meaning to be. From his horrible attempts at accents "why does everything I say sound like a leprechaun?!" to his inability to come up with a cool nickname on the fly (I give you Jobin!), we can ALL identify with his dilemma... just how DO you find friends when you're an adult??

And so, we get to accompany Peter on a series of progressively hilarious man-dates in his quest to find a BFF to be the best man at his wedding. We get to explore not just a real live man-cave but also male stereotypes, one of which is best portrayed by Jon Favreau. There are cameos by Lou Ferrigno and RUSH, the greatest band EVER (well, they're no Bon Jovi... but I digress...) And I guarantee you'll walk out of the theater sayin' "Slappin' Da Bass, Mon" in your best Jamaican/Leprechaun accent!

Tip: Be sure to stay through the credits for the little gems hidden there!!

My overall review: why haven't you seen this yet?? What are you waiting for?! Go. NOW!!!

Gran Torino

2009-03-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Gran Torino

Opened December 12, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 56 min.

Rated R: language throughout, and some violence

Dirty Harry has gotten old, and he's not happy about it. Or the political correctness of the world. Political correctness is for pussies!

Warning: This ain't your grandpa's Grumpy Old Men! If you're easily offended, then a) this probably isn't the movie for you and b) you'll be so busy calling the ACLU that you'll totally miss the whole point. So, ya big cry babies, man up and shut it. This is a damn good movie.

I hate it when trailers are constructed in such a way that you go in expecting a totally different movie. Usually, they lead you to believe the movie will be much better than it actually is (in other words, all the best parts are IN the trailer. Sometimes they're even ONLY in the trailer, on the cutting room floor, and then in the deleted scenes on the DVD.) In this case, I expected a lot more gun action and less storyline.

Forgive the seemingly out of nowhere sports metaphor, Mr. Eastwood totally hits one out of the ball park! I can not believe he wasn't nominated for an Oscar - both in directing and acting. And there should have definitely been a little gold bald guy statue for Best Picture! He was robbed, ROBBED I say!!This was the best movie I've seen in years!

Walt (Clint Eastwood) is a grouchy, angry, bitter, spiteful, lonely, old man. The movie starts out at his wife's funeral. And it doesn't take long to realize his wife should be up for canonization - only a true saint could have put up with this man for 40+ years! We're told up front that Walt is a grumbling racist who thinks everyone should go back to where they came from (except him, of course. Just like so many racists, he totally fails to acknowledge that he's only a few generations into this country himself! Add hypocrite to racist.)

And yet... there are hints that lurking just beneath that hard, cold, rough as sandpaper exterior, is warmth, kindness... dare I say compassion??? That's all I'm going to give you.

My overall review: Go see this movie while it's still in theaters. And if you missed it, then grab the DVD the second you can. Excellent, totally excellent movie!

KNOWING

2009-03-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Knowing

Opened March 20, 2009 | Runtime:1 hr. 55 min.
PG-13 - disaster sequences, disturbing images and brief strong language

First off, I’m totally aware that the title of this has given my high school English teacher a major stroke. Acknowledged and moving forward…

Upfront I should state, for the record, I am NOT a card-carrying member of the “I love Nicolas Cage” fan club. Nor am I a member of the “I at least think Nick Cage is a semi-decent actor” club.

I do, however, love a good sci-fi-end-of-the-world-disaster movie. Sadly, this was not one of them. Did we not see The Day the Earth Stood Still Keanu Reeves remake disaster? Did we learn NOTHING???!

The plot is a jumbled mess. It’s like halfway through they decided to make a different movie. And someone forgot to tell Nicolas Cage TO CARE. I don’t know if his character was supposed to be flat and emotionless, or if that’s just more from the Nick Cage school of acting. Oh, don’t forget superior and condescending. There was NO emotional connection between him and his son at all. Nothing. Maybe it was supposed to be a metaphor for the movie? If so, a little too well played.

And WTF was up with the soundtrack? Was there a mix-up at the editing/post-production studio? Has everyone who worked on this movie been smoking crack?

There was not a single funny line uttered during the entire movie, yet the audience broke out laughing several times. Because the movie crossed over into the ridiculous. It became a joke. You didn’t worry or care that people were in jeopardy. Cause we were watching a poorly made movie and we knew it. So harsh…

A few positives – the special effects were awesome!! There are some major explosions and an airplane crash scene that is haunting and horrifying in it’s realism. Dark, ominous and foreboding is done well. I would think we might see some award nominations for the technical stuff. I jumped several times, one in particular that had me chuckle a bit cause it really got me. So that was good.

My overall review: total waste of time and money. Both mine and the studios. Don’t even bother with the DVD… wait for it to air repeatedly on Sci-Fi channel in about a year.